I’ve read a lot about the stereotypes between the light and dark side of campus. Granted, many of these opinions are nearing a decade in age. I was wondering if a current student, or parent of a student, would be willing to tell me if the typical stereotypes still apply, and if students are very separated?
Do light side students often not interact with dark side students? I myself fit more into the dark side stereotype but have always found myself being friends with light side type people.
While at Hamilton, would I be able to have friends who are interested in all things?
Thanks in advance!
Of course. The only current practical application of “Light Side” and “Dark Side” is to differentiate between the two parts of the campus that are divided by College Hill Road. There is no segregation of the student body. The old stereotypes, to the extent that they are even mentioned today, are used in a joking manner.
Light-side vs. dark-side students would seem to be a false construct. As an actual student, you would be free to select from both the colloquially-referenced “light side” and “dark side” residences across your four years. On a daily basis, your classes, meals and activities will often span the entire campus. The range of desirable housing and dining hall options at Hamilton should properly be regarded as one of the distinguishing benefits of the college.
Echoing what the others have said, I would give no credence to any analysis of Hamilton with regard to a perceived segregation of the student body based on “dark side” and “light side” residency. You will definitely be able to have friends who are “interested in all things” at the college.
the stereotype is definitely only used as a joke; some people for sure identify themselves laughingly as one or the other, and there’s even the “gray side” idea for people who live down the hill somewhere. it really doesn’t matter though in terms of social life; I have friends on both “sides” and it’s almost impossible to stay on just one half of campus for even a day. people certainly have their preferences, but that’s mostly just in terms of which dining hall they want to be closer to, which study spaces they like better, and what kind of residence halls they’re interested in! Don’t worry at all!
Really, given the choice, would you even want – extending the metaphor – a monochromatic college?